Chasson

Randle

Nearly three weeks after signing Randle to an Exhibit 10 contract, the Timberwolves have decided to waive the veteran point guard. Per NBA rules, Randle would receive a $77,500 bonus if he remains with Minnesota’s G League affiliate for at least 60 days.

Randle has been out of the NBA since the 2020-21 season when he appeared in 41 games for the Magic. After being waived by Phoenix before the 2021-22 campaign, Randle has played overseas and in the G League, most recently for AEK Athens in Greece. Given Minnesota’s depth at the point guard position, Randle will likely land with the franchise’s G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. Iowa acquired Randle’s returning player rights from the Oklahoma City Blue earlier Monday.

He was just on a training camp deal and this makes sense given Phoenix is already set at point guard, especially since they added Elfrid Payton for extra relief this offseason.

Randle suited up for Orlando last season providing some relief as the Magic dealt with backcourt injuries throughout the regular season. The Suns already have three point guards with CP3, Cameron Payne and Elfrid Payton, so it is unlikely that he makes the opening day roster unless Phoenix plans on playing him off the ball.

Shooting 50% from the field and scoring 18 points isn’t a bad deal for most players. But when you, as the starting point guard, fail to record a single assist, that’s a problem. Anthony, who was also responsible for a team-worst four turnovers, had not failed to tally at least one assist in a game since February 9 vs. Portland. Tuesday’s performance can partially be attributed to having to deal with Jrue Holiday, but Anthony has to be better than this. He’ll look to bounce back Thursday when the Magic visit the Hawks. Backup point guard Chasson Randle (12/1/0/1/1 with one 3-pointer in 18 minutes) also failed to record an assist, while RJ Hampton (11/4/5 in 25 minutes) led the Magic with five dimes.

Randle has hit double figures in four of his last eight games and the Magic might be ready to turn the young guys loose. Just keep an eye on him in case he starts playing heavy minutes on a nightly basis. Cole Anthony played just 21 minutes tonight.

Carter-Williams’ absence ensures that Cole Anthony will make another start, and it would not be a surprise if Orlando’s first-round pick remains with the first five when MCW is cleared to return. His absence also means that Chasson Randle will remain in the rotation as Orlando’s backup point guard. Unlike Anthony, Randle isn’t worth rostering in most leagues.

Hampton gets the first start of his career against the team that traded him, so he could be a fun DFS target tonight under the revenge game narrative. Joining him in the starting unit tonight will be Dwayne Bacon, James Ennis, Chuma Okeke and Wendell Carter Jr.

Otto Porter (left foot) and Karim Mane (right hamstring) will join Carter-Williams on the inactive list. It’s a non-COVID situation for MCW so he’s just day-to-day. Orlando gets a few days off so unless it’s a severe illness he should be ready for Wednesday’s home game vs. the Wizards. In the meantime, Chasson Randle will get all the minutes he can handle at point guard.

Randle got another start with Michael Carter-Williams (illness) and Cole Anthony (shoulder) on the sidelines, and he showed why it doesn’t really matter when he starts in fantasy hoops. Through five starts this season, Randle has compiled measly averages of 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 triples and 2.2 turnovers per game on 39% shooting.